Mudd Field Improvements

Centrally located at the heart of activity on the Danforth Campus, Mudd Field is an essential part of the WashU student experience.

Centrally located at the heart of activity on the Danforth Campus, Mudd Field is an essential part of the WashU student experience.

From intramural games, “lazy” afternoons spent in a hammock, or the line-up for the Commencement procession, the university community asks and expects much from an oversized patch of turf.

Following Commencement 2025, construction will begin to upgrade Mudd Field and integrate its surrounding landscape with the new exterior spaces of Riney Hall and Graham Chapel. 

Construction is expected to be complete for the fall semester 2028.

Image of Mudd Field. (Photo: James Byard/WashU)
Mudd Field Improvements include: 
  • Addition of shaded corridors with trees 
  • Reinforcing significant pedestrian corridors and create new pathways to tie campus together 
  • Defining spaces at a scale for greater usability, as well as flexibility 
  • Regrading of field for improved drainage 
  • Introduction of contextually appropriate lighting for improved night-time use (not athletic lighting) 
  • Addition of event utility infrastructure to support campus activities  
  • Upgrades to campus utility system 
  Graham Chapel plaza:  
  • Renovation of paved plaza area at main entrance for improved pre-function circulation 
  • Preservation of north-south pedestrian connection to Umrath Hall 
Overall sustainability enhancements: 
  • Sustainable and appropriate irrigation systems to support the landscaping 
  • Underground storm water detention system  
View of Graham Chapel, looking east. (Rendering courtesy of MVLA)
West Terrace of Riney Hall, looking west. (Rendering courtesy of MVLA)
Broad Walk, looking east. (Rendering courtesy of MVLA)

PROJECT TEAM 

Trivers
architect

Michael Vergason Landscape Architects 
landscape architect

Alberici Constructors 
construction managers 

Cole 
civil engineer 

McClure 
utilities engineer